The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and International Sportsmen’s Expositions (ISE) have teamed up to offer a youth essay contest.

“Our hunter education program is dedicated to passing on this time-honored tradition for generations to come,” said Capt. Roy Griffith, DFG’s Hunter Education Program Administrator. “With 21,000 students passing through our program each year, we felt it was more important than ever to reward one individual with a lifetime California hunting license, valued at over $600.”

Holders of a junior hunting license and youth under 16 who have valid 2012 hunter education certificate are eligible. To enter, contestants need to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on what “Passing on the Tradition” means to them. Participants are encouraged to write about conservation, sportsmanship and ethics.

APPLYING: Submissions must include name, date of birth, and a contact number. Entries must be received on or before Dec. 20, 2012 and sent to:

Lt. John Nores
P.O. Box #1
San Martin, CA 95046

JUDGING: Essays will be reviewed and scored by the stars of National Geographic’s Wild Justice TV show.

AWARD CEREMONY: The winner will be notified by phone and must be present with his or her parents/guardians for the grand prize at the ISE show – Hall A, Sacramento’s Adventure Theater stage on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.

For additional information contact Lt. John Nores at: (408) 591-5174.

To find out more information on becoming a Hunter Education Instructor and help “Pass on the Tradition” visit: www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered.